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Milan upbeat over Balotelli injury

The forward was withdrawn during the Rossoneri’s latest friendly but the club say he is set to make a swift return to action

AC Milan say the calf injury sustained by Mario Balotelli in Thursday’s 2-0 win over LA Galaxy is not serious.

The Italy striker, playing in only his second game of pre-season, opened the scoring in the 17th minute of the International Champions Cup clash against the MLS side, before being replaced with 10 minutes to play.

The Rossoneri have since revealed that upon his arrival back in Milan, the striker underwent scans to ascertain the extent of the injury, with the results making positive reading for both the club and player.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “AC Milan report that the tests carried out on Mario Balotelli’s calf this morning produced no negative results.”

With Italy’s friendly against Argentina just five days away, it is still unclear whether Balotelli will be involved for Cesare Prandelli’s side, although he is expected to be ready for Milan’s Serie A opener with Verona on August 24.

The 22-year-old, who has 25 international caps, scored 12 goals in 13 Serie A appearances for Milan last season after joining the club from Manchester City in January.